Just Another Lazy-Update Blog

Android Emulator and Eclipse

2011-08-27T14:46:00.003-04:00

Last year, I bought Google Nexus One to use as my first smartphone. I chose Android over Iphone because it is easier for a casual developer like me to build an application with the current environment (windows and linux). Also, I would better stick with my comfortable programming language, Java.

After getting a phone, I've developed a simple application to help me generate my password for everything. Yes (Nerd Alert!!), I come up with my own algorithm to generate a password from a specific keyword. Therefore, I just need to choose an obvious and easy-to-remembered keyword. Moreover, I can use a different keyword for a different place/websites. For example, the word "Whitehouse" would generate a password "9jk7Gk62". The real algorithm is nothing much; it is built from a simple encryption algorithm, called "ceasar cipher", a bit operation, and a simple hash function.

Password Generator Application on Motorola Atrix 4g

After a long introduction, there is noting wrong with an application. The problem is when I got a new smartphone (Motorola Atrix 4g). The password generator application is working fine, but the screen size of the application is wrong because Atrix has a better resolution than Nexus One. I have to reinstall ADT Plugin for Eclispe and AndroidSDK. After open a project in Eclipse, I cannot start an emulator. The error in the console is


invalid command-line parameter: Files
Hint: use '@foo' to launch a virtual device named 'foo'.
please use -help for more information

After google to find the solution, from many sites^[1,2,3], the problem is with R12 SDK. It doesn't allow space in SDK path. But, if you use AndroidSDK windows installer like me, normally default path is "c:\Programs file\android". First, I tried to change the path in the Eclipse configuration from "c:\Program files\android" to "c:\Progra~1\android". This doesn't work for me since Eclipse will tell me that the directory isn't existed. So, The solution for me is to reinstall an AndroidSDK to a location with out space such as "c:\android". This is definitely a bug!!!

Resources:

^[1] - http://www.android.net/forum/beginning-developers/62877-invalid-command-line-parameter-eclipse-android.html
^[2] - http://www.wallpaperama.com/forums/_wlxpee.html
^[3] - http://stackoverflow.com/questions/6638713/android-emulator-is-not-starting-showing-invalid-command-line-parameter

Adding library in Ubuntu

2011-06-23T15:08:00.003-04:00

Installing application in Ubuntu which doesn't come with .deb package is usually required more steps to make it work. When working with Teragrid, I need Globus Toolkit to connect to a cluster. After download and install required tools using

export GLOBUS_LOCATION=/path/to/install
make gsi-myproxy gsi-openssh

when I tried to run gsissh, I encounter " error while loading shared libraries: libglobus_gss_assist_gcc64dbg.so.0 ". The problem is gsissh doesn't link to the installed libraries. We can look up required libraries for application by using

ldd /path/to/application

The libglobus_gss_assist_gcc64dbg.so.0 is actually installed in the same location of Globus Toolkit, but Ubuntu doesn't automatically link it for us. So, we need to add libraries location to our system. Using command

sudo ldconfig /path/to/my/usr/local/lib/

Resources:
^[1] - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=496553

and CSS Style


2011-05-25T18:13:00.007-04:00
After long time without update, I just realize that Blogger pushed out a new template design. In my opinion, it looks better, so I've changed my template without hesitation. The problem is I used custom style for <pre> and <code> tag to represent a program code. When I've applied the template, I forgot to back up the old style. I had to spend some time find the correct style for it although, it is very easy CSS code. So, I will blog it as my backup.

pre {
  overflow: auto;
  border: solid 1px #9AACAE;
  font-family: courier,Georgia,Serif;
  color: $(body.text.color);
  background: #EFEFEF;
  margin: 5px;
  padding: 5px;
}



Trivial but important - Java Random Number
2010-08-14T00:18:00.005-04:00
Summer 2010 in Bloomington is nearly end (I hope it ends sooner since it's freaking hot here). I've worked as a researcher on TeraGrid project for entire summer. My main task is to create a test library (program) to use against GRAM5 gateway which will be deployed on TeraGrid (soon). It is coded in Java and used for both scalability and reliability test. The problem comes up when I try to submit multiple jobs to GRAM5 gateway from multiple machines. If I start submission at the same time for all machines, program will get a connection reset from a server. I think it is caused by the fact that network router or server has a mechanism to prevent flooding.

At first, I use a simple solution which is delaying a job submission randomly in each machine using java.util.Random class. It worked fine up to around 50 machines then it started to get connection reset again. The situation becomes worse when I use 100 nodes, 90% of jobs fail. Therefore, I google around knowing in my mind that there must be something wrong about Random class. Finally, I found this site^[1]. The important properties of Random class are
Random number is generated in deterministic way based on a given number called seed
Default constructor will use System.currentTimeMillis()as seed. 
So, if we give the same seed number to Random class, it will generate a same sequence of random number. In my case, it's likely that each machines create a Random object at the same time, so they get the same seed. The solution is simple, we need to give a different seed on different machines. I use java.util.UUID to generate a unique ID across multiple machines (the odd is very low for different JVM to generate the same UUID) and create a seed from it. Here is my final code

Random random = new Random(UUID.randomUUID().hashCode());
int sleepTime = random.nextInt(120)
Thread.sleep(sleepTime * 1000l);

Resources:
^[1] - http://java.about.com/od/javautil/a/randomnumbers.htm


Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx and Nvidia Problem
2010-05-15T15:23:00.021-04:00
Eventually, First year of my graduate study is passed (time flies). When the semester ends, it's about time to clean my laptop. Before reinstalling Windows, I decided to try Lucid Lynx on my new laptop  (Sony Vaio CW). An obvious improvement in this version is User Interface which I quite like it.

First obstacle is installation and live CD mode cannot run properly on my machine. It always display only black screen. I found that the problem is with my Nvidia Geforce GT230M. The solution^[1] is to enable 'nomodeset' option when trying to boot (using F6).

After finish installation, Ubuntu still cannot be booted since it suffers from the same problem. So, I need to go into live mode and edit grub file (/etc/default/grub) to add 'nomodeset' parameter. But, because instance that run is not installed instance, I cannot use 'update-grub' script to update boot loader. Therefore, I also need to edit grub.conf (/boot/grub/grub.conf) to make sure that next boot will be started with 'nomodeset'.
Note: instead of going into live mode, you can press shift during grub2 load to change boot option. I've not tried it myself but found it on an article.

Ubuntu 10.04 on Sony VAIO CW

Not yet, using a free OS is not that easy :p. After I installed Nvidia driver for my machine, the screen is not correctly displayed. It is the problem that Nvidia's driver cannot detect my monitor (I experienced a Nvidia's problem with Ubuntu since Intrepid Ibex). The solution^[2-4] is to custom xorg.conf (/etc/X11/xorg.conf) file to use custom EDID (Extended display identification data). So, I have to reinstall windows and export EDID using programe named 'softMCCS'. Then, reinstall Ubuntu and going through a whole process again. Finally, make a reference to a EDID exported by windows by adding this code
Section "Device"
Identifier    "Device0"
Driver        "nvidia"
VendorName    "NVIDIA Corporation"
Option        "NoLogo"       "True"
Option        "ConnectedMonitor"   "DFP-0"
Option        "CustomEDID"         "DFP-0:/etc/X11/.bin"
EndSection

And Voilà!! Working Lucid Lynx on laptop with Nvidia card.

Resources:
^[1] - http://ubuntu-tutorials.com/2010/05/06/ubuntu-10-04-lucid-blank-screen-at-startup-workaround/
^[2] - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1345907
^[3] - http://www.linlap.com/wiki/sony+vaio+cw
^[4] - http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=2118873&postcount=22


Dropbox and GIT
2009-10-03T12:55:00.006-04:00
This semester (fall 09), I have attended a project-based course at IU, Bloomington. It's a network class. First project is to use libpcap to read packets from capture file (.pcap) and analyze each packet (e.g. IP, TCP, UDP, header size, flag, checksum). Everything in the project went fine, until I want to find some personal version control to use with it. Assembla used to provide private repository for free, but now they change their policy. So, I looked around and found Unfuddle, it provided 100MB private project with unlimited repositories. However, it allows only 2 people in project for free edition. It should be work for me because I would use it alone, still it didn't satisfy my need. Finally, I came across Dropbox, which gives you 2GB of space and the ability to share folder with your friends.

I first used Dropbox about 1 years ago when I was at home. I wasn't impressed with it because it seems to be very slow in Thailand. Now, I'm in U.S., I have to say it a lot faster. Although I get used to using SVN, my solution is to use it with Git repository because it's distributed version control instead of centralization.  Dropbox has already provided version control you can revert or undelete your files, but Git will provide more flexibility for programmers.

The way to do it is simple, I just install git and Dropbox on all my machines (Laptop and department's machines). Then create Git repository folder you want to share via

$git init

and add all files in folder or files you want through

$git add .

After you install Dropbox, it will become like a folder on that computer. Thus, I just clone Git repository to Dropbox's folder. For example, if my Git repository is at ~/ptangcha/network my command would be

$git clone ~/ptangcha/network ~/Dropbox/network

Done! I have Git repository in my Dropbox. Now, if I want to get my code in other machines, I just clone Git repository from Dropbox to folder on machines.

Since my code will be run on Linux machine (no libpcap on windows :( ), I don't want to to convert LF (Line feed) to CRLF (newline for windows) every time I add new file. Git converts it to CRLF because it detect that my repository is on Windows. So, I just configure git with this code.

$git config core.autocrlf false

I'm still newbie to Git. There are many useful command and many things to play with before I can fully benefit from it.


Resources:
- http://www.kernel.org/pub/software/scm/git/docs/gittutorial.html


Tough trip to Bloomington, IN
2009-08-24T19:36:00.007-04:00
I have been to US for a while, but I didn't update my status. First of all, let's me complain about my flight. Normal routine will take about 26 hours including waiting time and shuttle bus time from Indianapolis to Bloomington. Unfortunately, there was a delay between the domestic flight from Chicago to Indianapolis. That caused me a lot of trouble since I would arrive very close for the departure time of last shuttle bus on that day. Moreover, United Airline also lost my baggage during that flight. As a result, I definitely missed the last shuttle at 10:40pm because I had to claim my baggage at customer service, and had to stay at the airport until 6:40am. However, unfortunate event doesn't stop, I'd known after I purchased $25 shuttle bus ticket that there was a $15 bus service from Star of America (So for anyone going to Bloomington use this bus). After arriving Bloomington and staying at Indiana Memorial Union a couple of day, everything gets better. I recovered from fatigue and my bag also arrived at the hotel.

Indiana Memorial Union Hotel

I have quite a lot of free time before the class starts. Many new things to learn, many new things to see. Bloomington is a quiet town when I had arrived. Nevertheless, many students come back to their school today (and will be more on Wednesday), the town becomes more vivacious. From the information I get, Bloomington will be more beautiful in fall. Let's wait and see.


Windows 7
2009-07-28T11:14:00.004-04:00
I have changed from Ubuntu to Windows 7 RC for two months. I think I need a license OS when I go to US and my ASUS M9V doesn't come with it. Although, Ubuntu is very good open source OS, I need some software which is available only on windows (or works best with it) such as Skype,  etc. Another reason is I want to try Windows 7 because I'm going to buy a new notebook and of course, I prefer Windows [Bye MAC :( ].  I hope I get it before my Windows 7 RC expired.

Windows 7 Desktop Screen

I've to say that Windows 7 looked Nice! In my opinion, it consumes less Ram, faster than Vista and more beautiful, secure than XP. The things that I'm most admired in Windows 7 are new "Taskbar" and "System Tray". Taskbar is more like MAC's Dock, the coolest feature are  program pinning and preview windows. About System Tray, you can specific icons and notifications that you want to hide or show.
Finally, Windows 7 RC is not much stable (I reinstall firefox about 10 times), but I can bare with it and I hope RTM will much more better.


Disable Online User Notification in Pidgin
2009-05-13T06:19:00.005-04:00
I admit that new notification system in Jaunty Jackalope is better and more user friendly. However, when it comes to IM, being distracted every time when contact becomes online is quite annoying. Notification system in Pidgin is plug-ins called 'Libnotify popups' and , luckily, developer provides user settings for it. To disable notification when your contact becomes online.

Pidgin Buddy Signs On Notification

Tool -> Plugins (Ctrl + U).
Select 'Libnotify popups' then Configure Plugin.
remove 'Buddy signs on' checkbox. Done.
Libnotify Popups Configuration



Gnome Do and Gnome Keyring again in Jaunty Jackalop
2009-05-07T06:32:00.008-04:00
Same problem with the previous post. However, the location and procedure to solve the problem have changed in Ubuntu 9.04.

pop up asking for password to access  gnome-keyring

After trying for a while, I found the change keyring password in Passwords and Encrytion Keys. For detailed work around
Go to Applications -> Accessories -> Passwords and Encrytion Encryption Keysand Keyrings

select the Passwords tab
select the default entry, and right click then select Change Unlock Password;
Insert your old password and leave new password BLANK

I don't try this by myself, but I believe this solution also work on Intrepid Ibex.


Gnome Do, Gnome Keyring and Auto login
2009-03-08T23:37:00.007-04:00
I like using Gnome-Do as my application launcher. You can install it in Ubuntu Hardy Heron by following this instruction. Try it! I also use it for update my twitter. Therefore, Gnome-Do uses gnome-keyring to keep my twitter account detail.
The problem starts when I enable auto login feature^[1]. When I restarted my computer and login to my desktop, pop up will show asking me to insert my password.

pop up asking for password to access  gnome-keyring

After searching for a while, I could not find the solution. However, I came across a workaround from other bug in launchpad^[2]. To eliminate this pop up.

Go to System -> Preferences -> Encryption and Keyrings

select the Password Keyrings tab
select the default entry, and click on Change Unlock Password;
Insert your old password and leave new password BLANK


Resources:
^[1] - http://www.ubuntugeek.com/how-to-enable-automatic-login-in-ubutnu.html
^[2] - http://bugs.launchpad.net/gnome-keyring-manager/+bug/236264


Auto Disable Synaptic Touch in Ubuntu Hardy
2009-02-24T22:56:00.030-05:00
In windows, my pentium M platform will automatically disable synaptic touchpad when I connect an external mouse. It prevent me from unintentionally sliding my touchpad while typing. It's very annoying when a mouse cursor moves from current typing position to other places. I found some solutions in the internet.

First, you can completely disable notebook's touchpad if you always use a mouse. Click at menu System-> Preference -> Mouse go to Touchpad tab and you will see the checkbox.

Second, which I prefer. Turn on SHMConfig in xorg.conf

gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Then make the code look like this
Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Synaptics Touchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
Option "Device" "/dev/psaux"
Option "Protocol" "auto-dev"
Option "HorizEdgeScroll" "0"
Option "SHMConfig" "on"

After enable SHMConfig, we need to add rules to udev.

gksudo gedit /etc/udev/rules.d/10-local.rules

This will open an empty file. Add the following code
ACTION=="add", SUBSYSTEM=="input", ID_CLASS="mouse", RUN+="/usr/bin/synclient touchpadoff=1"
ACTION=="remove", SUBSYSTEM=="input", ID_CLASS="mouse", RUN+="/usr/bin/synclient touchpadoff=0"

However, it doesn't work when Ubuntu start up. Udev's rules will be activated only when mouse is plugged in or removed. I search for solutions and think that I need to write my own script by checking if an external mouse is connected to disable touchpad through synclient. At first, I think about using python. Luckily, after searching for a while how python checks devices, I found this solution^[2]. Instead of using python, you can easily create use unix script by using the following code
#!/bin/bash

/usr/bin/synclient TouchpadOff=`lsusb | grep Mouse | wc -l`

Where Mouse is your output from lsusb that matchs your external mouse. For me, it is Logitech.
then put it to System -> Preference -> Sessions
or init.d^[3]
my disable touchpad script in System -> Preference -> Sessions

Lastly, you can disable touchpad while typing by using the following command.

syndaemon -i 1 -d

Resources:
^[1] - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=724465
^[2] - http://digitalgraphy.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/how-to-disable-touchpad-on-linux/
^[3] - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuBootupHowto


Slow boot with Clocksource unstable in Hardy Heron
2009-02-12T08:57:00.001-05:00
I encountered this problem long time ago, about September 2008. When I chose to boot into Ubuntu, it stuck at splash screen about 2 minutes. In order to view the elaborate boot information, you must remove splash and quiet from the grub menu which come by default.
sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst

find a line that look like this
kernel        /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.24-23-generic root=UUID=84884ca6-fbea-41dc-962d-98577270be8b ro quiet splash

then remove quiet and splash. This will make Ubuntu spit a detail on boot time.

On my Asus M9V (Pentium M), Ubuntu 8.04 freeze at this line.
ACPI: Processor [CPU1] (supports 8 throttling states)
clocksourse tsc unstable (delta=183220173ns)

I found that this was a known bug on Ubuntu Hardy Heron^[1]. Workaround from the launchpad is adding clocksource boot option to grub menu either hpet or acpi_pm (I use hpet). So, your grub menu will look like this.
title        Ubuntu 8.04.2, kernel 2.6.24-23-generic
root        (hd0,2)
kernel        /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.24-23-generic root=UUID=84884ca6-fbea-41dc-962d-98577270be8b ro clocksource=hpet quiet splash
initrd        /boot/initrd.img-2.6.24-23-generic
quiet


Resources:
^[1] - https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/190414



Microphone in Ubuntu Hardy Heron
2009-02-04T04:06:00.012-05:00
Unfortunately, I found a show stopper from Ubuntu Intrepid. It's the audio input function. I couldn't get my microphone (built-in and external) working. Actually, it does partly work, but not usable. It can record at an extremely low voice level. Some people say it is a PulseAudio's problem. So, I tried to uninstall PulseAudio and use ALSA instead, but I still couldn't make it work. One point, I noticed is that I cannot unmute Capture under Recording tab in Volume Control. Another point is that Volume Control is different between Intrepid and Hardy. In Hardy, there is Digital and Intermal Mic slide to control volume, but there isn't in Intrepid. I searched the solution and tried it for many hours. Finally, I gave up. I don't know what is exactly the course of the problem, it maybe Pulse Audio, ALSA, Kernel, Gnome Volume Control (some say kmix solve their problem), or other reasons. I hope it will be fixed in Jaunty Jackalope (Ubuntu 9.04).

Despite how much I like appearance and speed of Ubuntu Intrepid, I uninstall it. Since I need to use skype, I go back to Hardy Heron (Ubuntu 8.04) which my Asus M9V microphone works perfectly. After install and update Ubuntu, you need a little setup to make it work.

First, you need to make sure that System uses correct device by checking at System -> Preference -> Sound.


Next, you must unmute Capture in Volume Control. If you cannot see it, try to enable it via Menu -> Edit -> Preference.


Lastly, testing! You may use Sound Recorder which come with Ubuntu or add medibuntu then 
sudo apt-get install skype



Media player for Ubuntu Intrepid
2009-02-01T04:13:00.023-05:00
Playing media files in Linux is quite troublesome. In windows, you can download all-in-one player like KMPlayer or codec-packs like K-Lite Mega Codec Pack. This will enable you to play all media types from internet such as WMV, XVID, MP4, etc. However, in Ubuntu, you need to install correct codecs to enable this feature. Normally, Ubuntu comes with totem movie player and it will ask you to download codecs (Gstreamer) when it encounters files that cannot be played. This default behavior is quite good for new user. But,  I, personally, like VLC and MPlayer to be my default player. This post will tell you how to do that.

smplayer - gui for mplayer playing Firefly with Thai subtitle.

First, you need to setup Medibuntu as one of your repositories because you can get most update from it. Installation and setup note^[1] should be available in their website. After, add it to sources.list file, do the following command in Terminal. (you can use other GUI players instead of smplayer)
sudo apt-get install vlc mplayer mozilla-mplayer smplayer w32codecs

I, also, recommend uninstalling totem.
sudo apt-get remove totem totem-common
totem-gstreamer totem-mozilla totem-plugin

After finishing install, Smplayer can play a movie mediately, but it requires a little configuration for Firefox. Finding some video test page, I google and use this page^[2]. In my computer video doesn't show up, I have to change video output to x11 by right click on grey background -> configure -> x11 from Video Output drop down list. Done, you have nearly perfect movie player with Ubuntu Intrepid.

mplayer playing in firefox with video output setup to x11.


Resources:
^[1] - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu
^[2] - http://home.att.net/~cherokee68/wmvtest.html


Ubuntu Mirror in Thailand
2009-01-31T08:57:00.009-05:00
Default repository for Ubuntu's updates and programs if you set your location to Thailand is th.archive.ubuntu.com. I don't know where this server is but, it's quite slow on my opinion. I got 20 - 30 Kb/s with 3 Mbps True Internet package. Therefore, I suggest thai people who use Ubuntu change their mirror site.

In Thailand, there is a Thai National Mirror which serves as open sources software repository including Ubuntu. Due to public advertisement and word of mouth news, it became slow on peak times such as 8.00PM - 10.00PM (or I fortunately downloaded something when they updated servers).

So, I suggest using Kasetsart Linux Mirror site instead. Of course, it's very fast for me (I live in Bangkok). You can download sources.list from their website or edit it by yourself. Using the following command in Terminal.
sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
then, insert your admin password and add following lines to the file (you should comment other repositories for faster update).

#####KU apt <> Main,Restriced Update#####
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid main restricted
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates main restricted
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security main restricted

#####KU apt <> Multiverse,Universe Update(Optional)#####
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid multiverse universe
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates multiverse universe
deb http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security multiverse universe

#####KU apt <> Source File Main, Restriced (Optional)#####
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid main restricted
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates main restricted
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security main restricted

#####KU apt <> Source File Multiverse,Universe (Optional)#####
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid multiverse universe
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu/ intrepid-updates multiverse universe
deb-src http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/ubuntu-security/ intrepid-security multiverse universe


Resources:
^[1] - http://mirror1.ku.ac.th/


Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex on Asus M9V
2009-01-29T10:21:00.007-05:00
Today I install Ubuntu 8.10 on my notebook 'Asus M9V' which is three years old. I used Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) on my notebook last year during August and November. Due to my preparation for GRE and game 'Team fortress 2' (later one has more weight), I decided to install windows xp which is more compatible with GRE test prep software and games. I don't want to use a virtual machine on Ubuntu mostly because it can't handle heavy 3d games like TF2. However, GRE Exam passed and games became boring, I switch to linux again and I choose Ubuntu because Ubuntu 8.04 used to work perfectly on my M9V.

Gimp on Ubuntu 8.10 on ASUS M9V

It took about 20 minutes to install Ubuntu included formatting old windows partition. I prefer Intrepid's wallpaper to Hardy's wallpaper. Everything seems nice, wireless, bluetooth, logitech V450 nano, video, and sound.

However, when I played it about 10 minutes, my computer freezes except the mouse pointer. This discourages me because I used to have the same problem on Edgy Eft (Ubuntu 6.10) with my PC which has Nvidia FX6600 card and that time I gave up. I google this problem and found that it might be connected with a video card driver. So, I updated my ATI driver using proprietary driver and other updates as well ( 226 updates need after installing Ubuntu from CD). Now, I played it about 5 hours and it works smoothly.

There will be a lot of upcoming blog about installing driver and software to customize Ubuntu as I need.


How to disable autorun in windows XP
2009-01-14T09:20:00.009-05:00
Nowadays many viruses, malwares, spywares, and worms often spread themselves from an infected computer to other computers via usb drive. By using Autorun.inf file ,which automatically detect and run in windows, they can copy and execute themselves into a victim computer. Therefore, using autorun on usb drive in windows isn't a wise decision. Here's how to turn it off.
run gpedit.msc using run command (start button -> run). This will open group policy windows.
under Computer Configuration, click Administrative Templates then System.
find Turn off Autoplay Setting on the right panel and double-click it. Then, choose enable. It will allow us to edit bottom area. Choose all drives from 'Turn off Autoplay on' drop down list. Finally click apply or ok.

Another good way to help preventing viruses without additional programs. However, this method works only in windows XP professional edition.


Resources:
^[1] - http://antivirus.about.com/od/securitytips/ht/autorun.htm


How to turn on automatic logon in windows XP
2009-01-13T03:59:00.020-05:00
Normally, when I install a new windows, I create only an account without a password for myself. This make windows automatically logins to my account when restarting computer. However, after installing .Net framework 1.1, it will create aspnet_wp or ASP.NET Machine Account which turn off automatic login. You can easily delete the created account in user accounts in control panel and make your only account be automatic log on again. But, for the windows machine with multiple accounts or programmers who develop using .Net framework, deleting an account doesn't work. I offer two options.

First, using registry editor to add the following string values at key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
DefaultUserName : your username
DefaultPassword : your password
AutoAdminLogon : 1

Second, run 'control userpasswords2' using run command (start button -> run). Remove "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer" from check box and click apply.

Resources:
^[1] - http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/aspdot.php
^[2] - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231



I'm Back
2008-12-19T08:23:00.003-05:00
First update in nearly 5 months, I think I need to change the style of blogging. I should keep it short. I have many draft version in my setting, but they've never been published.
I spent most of my time study for TOEFL and GRE in past few months. Now, they already passed. So, I will keep this blog update as much as possible (promise to myself).


Programs for new computer
2008-07-03T03:12:00.013-04:00
Finally, I can dig myself up to post new content. Yesterday, I couldn't access Google and Yahoo and there is a advertising pop up on my notebook. So, I realized that my computer was infected by some kind of spyware. First, I tried to remove it by myself through msconfig and regedit, but it's not work. Therefore, I had to format and reinstall Windows. After installing Windows, I still needed to install other software that I normally used. Sometimes, I forgeted the program that I don't frequently use. So, I want to list basic programs, that I used, as a reminder for me and which might prove useful to others.

Open source and Freeware
Firefox - Popular web browser.
Adobe Flash Player - Flash player plugin for Firefox
7zip - Archieve utilities, free and support zip, 7z, rar, etc.
Imgburn - Nice image burner. support ISO, BIN, CUE, etc.
Orbitdownloader - Download manager. After testing many download manager, I find it most favorable because of its GUI and usability.
Unlocker - Release windows lock unused resources.
Notepad++ - IMHO, Best editor for Windows.
Daemon-tools - Virtual CD emulator.
AIMP - Very nice music player from Russia, replacement for winamp.
Itunes - necessary for apple product's owner such as Ipod, Iphone.
KMPlayer - Movie player, can play almost every format without codecs
Real Alternative - Needed for playing real's files (.rm) on KMPlayer
Launchy - Launcher for windows. ALT+Space and there you go..
Pidgin - IM, support many protocols, MSN, Gtalk, IRC etc. I hate to open many programs. Digsby is also great, but it doesn't support Thai yet.
Skype - Free calls on the internet.
Paint.Net - Less feature than Photoshop, but adequate for normal user.
Picasa - Photo managerment from Google
Sun JDK - Java for developer, normal user use JRE
Eclipse - IDE for java developer
Adobe Acrobat Reader - PDF file reader
Commercial
Microsoft Office - I'm not used to OpenOffice yet. So right now, Microsoft Office is still good option.
RealVNC - Remote control program, I use it to control my PC.
Foxit PDF Editor - Editing PDF file with cheaper price than Adobe Acrobat.
Note: commercial software = nearly free software in Thailand because you can find a lot of pirate cd.

However, when I completed reinstall Windows and all programs, I still get pop up in my new Windows. Therefore, I had to reformat again (What a waste of time!). This time, I back up my windows with Norton ghost in Hiren's boot CD and install program one by one. Finally, the problem was in patch file for acrobat 9.0 which I loaded from Bittorrent. It contained virus. So, I switched to Foxit instead. I spent 2 days on reinstalling windows and finding spyware. This story shows that pirate software is dangerous, please use with caution.


Thai font in Firefox 3
2008-06-27T04:47:00.016-04:00
A week after Firefox 3 has been released, I notice that I have a Thai language problem with some websites such as mhafai.com, dailygizmo.wordpress.com. I have never tried Firefox 3 until it is final, so I didn't know how to deal with it. I tried to do some configuration but the result didn't meet my expectation. I quickly searched with Google and found a solution. The problem font is called 'Lucida Grande', which is Mac's font, it doesn't display correctly for Thai symbols.


First solution, I found it by configuring somethings in Firefox's Setting. This one will force Firefox 3 to display all web pages according to our chosen font. The following step shows how to do so.


In the menu bar click Tools (Alt + T) -> Options... 
Select Content Tab. Then in fonts & colors region, select Advanced..
Finally, uncheck "allow pages to choose their own fonts, instead of my selection above" then OK.
The problem with this solution is that all pages will render with your selected font which in my opinion is not nice.

Second solution, I get this one from the internet^[1]. It is very easy, just delete the font from the system and Firefox will use default font for that page.


Go to Windows Control Panel -> Fonts
Find and Delete "Lucida Grande.ttf" and "Lucida Grande Bold.ttf"


What I don't like about this one is you will not be able to render pages with "Lucida Grande" (oh!, I am quite a perfectionist). It will use default font for instead of "Lucida Grande" in English and Thai.

Final solution, I come up with the solution when I surf internet on Mac OS X with Firefox 3. I noticed that a problem website rendered correctly in Mac. Therefore, "Lucida Grande" font in Mac must differ from Windows. Fortunatly, I had to port fonts from Mac to Windows for my aunt about a month ago and I now know the way how to do that.


Copy "LucidaGrande.dfont" in /Systems/Library/Fonts (Mac OS X 10.5) to Windows
Convert dfont to ttf. You can use a program like Crossfont^[2] which has 15-days trial period. 
Find and Replace (Copy&Paste) "Lucida Grande.ttf" and "Lucida Grande Bold.ttf" in Control Panel -> Fonts with Mac's Font.
The last solution provide you with correct Thai font display and also preserve rendering "Lucida Grande" in English correctly.

Resources:
^[1] - http://www.thaicyberpoint.com/ford/blog/id/520/
^[2] - Crossfont


Firefox 3, One day later
2008-06-18T14:37:00.019-04:00
I haven't post new entry for a month. How the lazy guy I am. Actually, the main reason for being indolence is because my current life situation. My daily jobs are only reading, listening, speaking, and typing English for TOEFL, How boring! However, I finally find some time to blog.

After the Download Day for Firefox3 has started, there are more than eight million downloads in 24 hours. Amazing! And total number is still going while I am blogging. Mozilla team tries to make the world record for the most downloaded program "Firefox3" in 24 hours. Due to this Guinness World Record competition, I helped them download 3 times: one for my notebook, one for my desktop, and one for my girlfriend's. For the record, when I am blogging this post,  Firefox2 has been downloaded about 500 millions times. I eagerly wait to see how far Firefox3 will go.

This picture was captured on 1:37am 19 Jun 2008 (+0700) from Spread Firefox^[1]

Unfortunately, Thailand has only about 26,000 counts for this record. In comparison to internet users in Thailand (2007) ^[2], there is around 0.20%, I think it is very little number. Although there might be possible that more Thai people use Firefox, but participation in world events is also important. One reason I can come up with is because not many Thai people are in technology field. They are not frequently update themselves with the IT news because it is not their interested and not involved to their work. They will know the stories when the news was reported in Thai media such as television, newspaper, or newspaper website. Another reason is because they don't use Firefox. The question I was frequently asked when persuading someone to use Firefox is why he or she has to change while Internet Explorer is working fine. There are many advantage that Firefox has over IE ,but if the sheep is still fine why we have to build the fence. Last reason that I think it is also reasonable is because of enthusiasm. Thai people are not eager to participate in open source software because they are many illegal softwares available here.

If I am not wrong, the pledge for downloading Firefox is only two millions. But the real downloads is quite fantastic. However, if you help download Firefox3 don't forget to give yourself a certification. here

Resources:
^[1] - Download Day 2008 - Spread Firefox
^[2] - Thailand Internet User Statistics - Nectec


My Ipod and Itunes
2008-05-06T00:30:00.004-04:00
After I've got Ipod nano from company for free (actually using performance points), I quite obsessed about it. I spent many hours last week playing itunes and transferring to my Ipod.
Next thing I did was going into itune store. Because itune store doesn't support in my country, I tried to get the account with store in US with my credit card and faked address. However, my credit card isn't working in US, so I couldn't have account by this way. BTW Apple charged me $1 (For what reason you charged me, Apple !!!) , so I recommended that you should not use this approach. I googled around and found another method, redeeming code, if you want to know how to have one just google "free iTunes account".

After fooling around many days with iTunes library and album artwork ( the free feature when you have iTunes account), I noticed that some of my album didn't have the artwork. Therefore I double check my songs information with iTunes store. Nothing wrong, it is 100% correct because iTunes will use only artist and album name for searching artworks. So, I google around and found many methods, but they aren't what I want, many of them try to get pictures manually from iTunes server. After spending many hours,  I noticed that in iTunes store, they have different albums artwork for clean and explicit albums. As to test, I just append "(explicit)" to my album name. Can you guess what happens, Yes, "Get Album Artwork" does work now. How easily it was.

To sum up, the tip: if you can't get album artwork for your songs in itunes and you're sure that the album's name is correct, try to append "(Explicit)" or "(Clean)" to your song album's name and download artwork again.